Back Support Device

ABSTRACT

A back support device ( 100 ) having a first convex region ( 160 ) and a concave region ( 200 ) being connected to the first convex region ( 160 ), the first convex region ( 160 ) and the concave region ( 200 ) being configured to support respective regions of a user&#39;s back, wherein a ratio between a straight line distance across the first convex region ( 160 ) and a straight line distance across the concave region ( 200 ) approximates a geometric progression.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to personal support devices and inparticular to back support devices. The back support devices can includebut not limited to chairs, sofas, beds, or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (orinformation derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not,and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form ofsuggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it)or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the fieldof endeavour to which this specification relates.

Back pain is second only to the common cold as a health problem sufferedby people. In the USA, over 5 million people suffer acute back problems.Back problems may be caused for example by poor posture, poor sleepingpositions and poor seated positions. Relief and preventative treatmentof back problems is desired by the community at large. Common activetreatment techniques include those practiced by physical therapists,osteopaths, chiropractors, and masseurs. Passive techniques includelearning correct posture, and the use of back support devices, such asback rolls. Back rolls are typically in the form of a cylindricalcushion which is placed at the bottom of the back rest portion of achair. Such passive techniques provide only limited relief to sufferersof back pain.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention seeks to substantially overcome, or at leastameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements.

It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention may be usedindividually or in combination.

According to a first broad form, there is provided a back support devicehaving a first convex region and a concave region being connected to thefirst convex region, the first convex region and the concave regionbeing configured to support respective regions of a user's back, whereina ratio between a straight line distance across the first convex regionand a straight line distance across the concave region approximates ageometric progression.

In one example, the back support device has a second convex region, thesecond convex region being connected to the concave region such that theconcave region is formed between the first convex region and the secondconvex region.

In a further example, a ratio between a straight line distance acrossthe second convex region and the straight line distance across theconcave region approximates the geometric progression.

According to another aspect, the first convex region, the second convexregion, and the concave region are portions of respective circles havingradii, the ratio between the radii of the respective circles approximateto the geometric progression.

In a further example, the geometric progression is a Fibonacci sequence.

According to another example, the geometric progression approximates to1.6±0.1.

In yet another example, the geometric progression approximates to1.62±0.05.

In a further form, the first convex region is configured to support aportion of a lumbar region of the user's back, the second convex regionis configured to support a portion of a cervical region of the user'sback, and the concave region is configured to support a portion of athoracic region of a user's back.

In accordance with another aspect, the device has a curved rear surface,such that the device is movable in a rocking motion on a ground surface.

In yet another example, the device is resiliently deformable.

In a further aspect, the device includes a first segment and a secondsegment, the first segment including the first convex region and thesecond segment including the concave region, wherein any one or acombination of the first segment and the second segment are moveable inrespect of each other.

According to another aspect, the first segment and second segment aremoveable such that the back support device is able to support differentspinal lengths.

In a further example, when in a position that represents a maximumspinal length, the device is resiliently deformable in use, such thatthe ratio of the straight line distance across the first convex regionand the concave region is maintained approximately to the geometricprogression.

According to another example, the first convex region and the concaveregion are portions of respective circles having radii, the ratiobetween the radii of the respective circles approximate to the geometricprogression.

In yet a further example, the second segment is configured to slide upona concave arcuate sliding surface, of a third segment of the device,away from the first segment, the first segment being supported on aconcave supporting surface of the device, the sliding surface having adiameter substantially similar to the diameter of the first convexregion.

According to another aspect, the third segment of the device has acurved rear surface, the curved rear surface, the concave slidingsurface, and the concave supporting surface being portions of respectivecircles having radii, the ration between the radii of the respectivecircles approximating to the geometric progression.

In accordance with another form, the third segment of the device has acurved rear surface, the ratio between the straight line distance acrossthe curved rear surface, the concave supporting surface, and the concavesliding surface approximating to the geometric progression.

In accordance with another aspect, the first convex region and theconcave region form a support surface, the support surface being any oneor a combination of:

-   -   at least partially laterally flat;    -   at least partially laterally convex; and,    -   at least partially laterally concave.

In another example, a lateral edge of the support device is rounded.

In yet another example, the device has varying transversal width alongthe device.

According to a further example, the narrowest portion of the device isconfigured to sit between the user's shoulder blades along a portion ofthe user's thoracic region.

According to another aspect, the device includes any one or acombination of:

-   -   a head support portion; and,    -   a seat portion.

In a further example, the head support portion and the seat portion areformed such that ratio between the straight line distances acrossrespective curves of the head support portion and the seat portion andthe straight line distances of the first convex region and the concaveregion of the device approximate to the geometric progression.

According to another form, the device is formed at least partially ofany one or a combination of:

-   -   a rigid material; and,    -   a dynamic material.

In respect of another example, the device forms a part of any one or acombination of:

-   -   a chair;    -   a seat;    -   a sofa; and,    -   a bed.

In yet another example, the device supports a user's spine such thatwhen a predetermined pressure is applied by the device to the spine, atleast some adjacent pairs of vertebra of the spine are held in tension.

According to yet another aspect, a portion of the device is configuredto be manipulated by any one or a combination of:

-   -   a heating means;    -   electrical stimulation; and,    -   infra red light.

According to another example, the device is configured to flex andextend in use.

In a further example, the device is configured to be used in any one ora combination of positions, including:

-   -   a vertical position;    -   a horizontal position; and,    -   at a position between the vertical position and the horizontal        position.

In a further example, a portion of the device is able to vibrate.

In accordance with another aspect, the device includes a longitudinalchannel, the channel being configured to receive a user's spinousprocess'.

According to a second broad form, there is provided a back supportdevice having a first convex region, a second convex region, and aconcave region, the concave region being formed between the first convexregion and the second convex region, wherein each convex and concaveregion is configured to support a respective region of a user's back.

According to a third broad form, there is provided back support devicehaving a first convex region and a concave region connected to theconvex region, the first convex region and the concave region beingconfigured to support respective regions of a user's back, wherein thefirst convex region, and the concave region are portions of respectivecircles having radii, and the ratio between the radii of the respectivecircles approximate to a geometric progression.

According to a fourth broad aspect, there is provided a back supportdevice comprising a support surface having first and second convexsupport regions and a third concave support region between the first andsecond support regions arranged such that the first, third and secondsupport regions are configured end to end in series, wherein each of thesupport regions is configured to support a different section of a user'sback.

The form of the device is arranged such that, when in use, at least someof the connections between the user's vertebrae are placed in relativetension, providing at least some relief from certain forms of back pain.

In a further example, the longitudinal dimension of the device, adistance along the first region is greater than a distance along each ofthe second and third regions and the distance along the second region isless than the distance along each of the first and third regions.

In another example, each of the first, second and third regions arearcuate. The arcuate regions may be defined by respective radii, and theradius of the first, third and second regions may decrease in turn by ageometrical progression. The ratio between the radii of the first andthird regions and/or the third and second regions may be Fibonacciratios.

The Fibonacci numerical sequence is derived by starting with 0 and 1,then adding the previous two numbers in the sequence to arrive at thenext number in the sequence. This is illustrated by the sequence:

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, . . .

A Fibonacci ratio is any ratio between a number and the numberimmediately to its left in the Fibonacci sequence, typically beginningfrom the number 5 in the sequence. As the sequence increases, the ratioof one number in the sequence to the number immediately to its leftapproximates what is known as the golden ratio, typically denoted by theGreek letter (its inverse is typically denoted by the Greek letter Φ,also referred to herein as Phi). The golden ratio is defined by theequation:

$\Phi = \frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}$

It is also the ratio that results when a line is divided so that thewhole line has the same ratio to the larger divided line segment as thelarger divided line segment has to the smaller divided line segment. Thegolden ratio, adjacent numerical pairs from the above sequence andstrings of numbers from the above sequence have been observed in severalbiological settings, such as the arrangement of the seeds in a pinecone,the spirals of the florets of a sunflower and also with respect to thehuman body. For example, the ratio of the length of the forearm to thelength of the hand from tip of the middle finger to wrist approximatesthe golden ratio.

Furthermore, the inventor has noted that with regard to a normal spine,the ratio of the radius of the cervical section of the spine to theradius of the thoracic section of the spine, and the ratio of the radiusof the thoracic section of the spine to the radius of the lumber sectionof the spine each also approximate the golden ratio. The inventor hasfound that the use of Fibonacci ratios between the different regions ofthe device, aside from providing a pleasing aesthetic, can complementthe normal curvature of the spine to provide a relaxing and therapeuticaffect. Also, the shape may help a user whose spine's curvature does notfollow Fibonacci ratios to attain such a curvature to help improve theirposture.

In another example, the ratio between the radii of the first and thirdregions and/or the third and second regions is 1.6±0.1. Furtheroptionally, the ratio between the radii of the first and third regionsand/or the third and second regions is 1.62±0.05.

According to another aspect, the ratio between the first straight linedistance between opposite ends of the first support region and a secondstraight line distance between opposite ends of the third supportregion, and/or between the second straight line distance and a thirdstraight line distance between opposite ends of the second region areFibonacci ratios. Further optionally, the ratio between the firststraight line distance and the second straight line distance and/orbetween the second straight line distance and the third straight linedistance is 1.6±0.1. Also further optionally, the ratio between thefirst straight line distance and the second straight line distanceand/or between the second straight line distance and the third straightline distance is 1.62±0.05. Optionally, the first and third supportregions meet at a first point and the third and second support regionsmeet at a second point.

In a further example, the first region is configured to support at leastsome of the lumber region of the user's spine, and/or the second regionis configured to support at least some of the cervical region of theuser's spine and/or the third region is configured to support at leastsome of the thoracic region of the user's spine. Optionally, the firstregion is configured to support at least some of the pelvic region ofthe user's spine and/or the second region is configured to support atleast some of the user's neck.

The back support device may comprise a curve rear surface, opposite thesupport surface, such that the device is movable in a rocking motion ona ground surface.

The device may be resiliently deformable.

In yet another example, the device comprises a first part and a secondpart, wherein the first part comprises the first support region and thesecond part comprises the second support region, and wherein the secondpart is movable with respect to the first part between first and secondpositions, and the distance between the first and second regions isgreater in the second position compared to when in the first position.

According to another aspect, the first and second parts are slidablyconnected to each other. Optionally, the first part comprises a concavearcuate sliding surface for the second part to slide thereupon, thesliding surface having a diameter substantially similar to the diameterof the first support region. Further optionally, the first partcomprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portioncomprising the first support region and the second portion comprising atleast some of the sliding surface. The first portion may be lessdeformable than the second portion. The first portion may be joined tothe second portion along a curved border. The second portion maycomprise a rear curved surface. Optionally, the rear curved surface isopposite the curved border. Optionally, the rear curved surface and thecurved border are arcuate, and the ratio between the radii of the rearsurface in use and the border is a Fibonacci ratio. Further optionally,the ratio between a fifth straight line distance and a fourth straightline distance is a Fibonacci ratio, where the fourth straight linedistance is defined between an end of the device at the first supportregion and at a point where the second and third support regions meet,and the fifth straight line distance is defined between opposite ends ofthe device. Further optionally, the ratio between the radii of the rearsurface in use and the border and/or the fifth and fourth straight linedistances is 1.6±0.1. Further optionally, the ratio between the radii ofthe rear surface in use and the border and/or the fifth and fourthstraight line distances is 1.62±0.05.

The support surface may be laterally flat or laterally convex orlaterally concave or another suitable surface. A lateral edge of thesupport surface may be rounded.

In yet a further example, the support surface is arranged to support andcontact a user's spine, such that when a predetermined pressure isapplied by the device to the spine, at least some adjacent pairs ofvertebra of the spine are held in tension. Also optionally, the supportsurface may be arranged to receive the user's spine when the user is ina face up prostate position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided aback support device comprising a support surface having first and secondconvex support regions and a third concave support region between thefirst and second support regions arranged such that the first, third andsecond support regions are configured end to end in series, wherein eachof the support regions is configured such that when a predeterminedpressure is applied by the device to the spine, at least some adjacentpairs of vertebra of the spine are held in tension.

In a further example, the support regions are arcuate and defined byrespective radii, and the radius of the first, third and second regionsdecrease in turn by a geometrical progression. Optionally, the ratiobetween the radii of the first and third regions and/or the third andsecond regions are Fibonacci ratios. Further optionally, the ratiobetween the radii of the first and third regions and/or the third andsecond regions is 1.6±0.1. Also further optionally, the ratio betweenthe radii of the first and third regions and/or the third and secondregions is 1.62±0.05.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation of an example of a back supportdevice;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the example device illustrated in FIG.1;

FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate side elevations of segments which can becombined to form the example device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation of the example device illustrated inFIG. 1 in a second position;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the example device illustratedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the backsupport device;

FIG. 9A illustrates a plan view of further example of the back supportdevice;

FIG. 9B illustrates a side elevation of the example device of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C illustrates an end view from viewpoint A of the example deviceof FIG. 9B;

FIG. 9 c illustrates an end view from viewpoint B of the example deviceof FIG. 9B;

FIG. 9E illustrates a top isometric view of the example device of FIG.9A;

FIG. 9F illustrates a side view of the example device of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9G illustrates a side view of another example device, showing thedevice including three segments;

FIG. 9H illustrates a plan view of the example device of FIG. 9A,including a channel;

FIG. 9I illustrates a top isometric view of the example device of FIG.9H;

FIGS. 10A to 10C illustrate side elevations of segments which can becombined to form the example device of FIG. 9G;

FIG. 11A illustrates a side elevation of another example of the backsupport device;

FIG. 11B illustrates a side elevation of the example device of FIG. 11A,with the one of the segments being moved slidably upon another segment;

FIG. 11C illustrates a side elevation of the example device of FIG. 11Bbeing deformed, in use;

FIGS. 12 to 13D illustrate an example geometric construction of the backsupport device;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example geometric construction of the backsupport device with a head support portion;

FIG. 15A illustrates a side view of another example of a back supportdevice including a seat portion;

FIG. 158 illustrates an example geometric construction of the backsupport device of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 15C illustrates an example geometric construction of the backsupport device of FIG. 15A, with a head support portion; and,

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of another example back support device,the back support device including a seat portion, and being formed aspart of a chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION INCLUDING BEST MODE

A back support device having a first convex region and a concave regionattached to the convex region is described below.

In particular, FIGS. 1 and 2, show an example of a back support device10 having a rear surface 12 configured to be placed upon a groundsurface. The device 10 has a support surface in the form of a backsupport surface 14 comprised of first and second convex support regions16 and 18 and a third concave support region 20 between the first andsecond support regions 16, 18. Each of the first, second and thirdsupport regions 16, 18, 20 are arcuate and in this embodiment, each ofthe regions 16, 18, 20 trace an arc of about 99°.

In one dimension of the device 10, for example from left to right of thedevice illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 where the first, third and secondregions 16, 20, 18 are configured end to end in series, a first straightdistance along the first region 16 from an end 21 a of the device 10 toa first point 21 b with the third region 20 is greater than a secondstraight line distance along the third region 20 from the first point 21b to a second point 21 c with the second region 18, and is greater thana third straight line distance along the second region 18 from thesecond point 21 c to another end 21 d of the device 10. Also, the secondstraight line distance is greater than the third straight line distance.The ratio between the radii of the first and third regions 16, 20 andbetween the third and second regions 20, 18 are Fibonacci ratiosapproximating the above mentioned golden ratio. Also, the ratios betweenthe first and second straight line distances, and between the second andthird straight line distances are Fibonacci ratios approximating thegolden ratio.

The configuration of the first, third and second support regions 16, 20,18 approximates the curvature of the human spine. In this regard, thefirst support region 16 is configured to complement the curvature of thelumber and pelvic region of a spine, the third region 20 is configuredto complement the curvature of the thoracic region of a spine and thesecond region 18 is configured to complement the curvature of thecervical region of the spine. The curvature of the human spine followsan undulating path of concave (cervical), convex (thoracic) and concave(lumbar/pelvic). In a typical human spine, the ratio of radius of thelumbar/pelvic region to the thoracic region and of the thoracic regionto the cervical region each approximate the above described goldenratio. Therefore, given the golden ratios of radii from first 16 tothird 20 and from third 20 to second 18 regions approximate the goldenratio, the overall support surface 14 complements the curvature of thetypical human spine. The overall longitudinal length of the device 10 isconfigured to approximate the length of the human spine, which for themajority of adults falls within the range of 55 to 63 cm.

The device 10 of this embodiment is formed from three segments. Thefirst segment 22, illustrated in FIG. 3, comprises the first supportregion 16. The second segment 24, illustrated in FIG. 4, comprises thesecond and third support regions 18, 20. The third segment 26,illustrated in FIG. 5, comprises the rear surface 12. The first, secondand third segments 22, 24, 26 are assembled to form the device 10illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The first and third segments 22, 26 are fixed together on join surface28, and form a continuous sliding surface 30. Sliding surface 30 has thesame radius as first surface 16, and the ratio of the radius of joinsurface 28 to sliding surface 30 (and the first surface 16) approximatesthe golden ratio. Also, if the curve of the join surface is continuedthrough the second segment it crosses the support surface 14 at thesecond point 21 c. The ratio between a fourth straight distance betweenend 21 a and second point 21 c and the third straight distance is aFibonacci ratio, approximating the golden ratio. A surface 32 of thesecond segment 24, opposite the second region 18, is complementary toand configured for slidable movement between first and second positionson the sliding surface 30. The device 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 in thefirst position and can move out to the second position, illustrated inFIG. 6 by sliding along the sliding surface 30. This allows the device10 to accommodate users having different spinal lengths. The secondsegment 24 is slidably engaged with the sliding surface 30 by way of arail and groove arrangement. As will be appreciated, any appropriatemechanism which allows the slidable movement of the second segment 24 onthe sliding surface 30 may be used.

It is preferred, although not essential, that the third segment 26 isformed from a relatively firmer ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foammaterial compared with the EVA material from which the first and secondsegments 22, 24 are formed. The foam density of the first and secondsegments 22, 24 in this embodiment is between 10 and 15, however inalternative embodiments may be between 10-30 or 5-60. The foam densityof the third segment 26 in this embodiment is about 200, however inalternative embodiments may be between 10-200, 10-400, or 60-80. Inalternative embodiments, other appropriate materials may be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first, second and third regions 16, 18, 20are laterally flat. In an alternative embodiment, the first, second andthird regions 16, 18, 20 have a longitudinal gulley/channel, toaccommodate/receive the user's spine and to prevent the user fromslipping or rolling off the device 10. An example device showing achannel is further described below.

In another alternative embodiment, the first, second and third regions16, 18, 20 may be laterally convex. The device 10 is illustrated in FIG.7 as having a constant lateral width along its longitudinal length. Inan alternative embodiment, the first region 16 is wider than the thirdregion 20, which is in turn wider that the second region 18. This changein width along the longitudinal length takes into account the differencein width of the user from his pelvic region to his cervical region. In afurther alternative embodiment, the changes in lateral width along thelongitudinal surface of the device (also referred to as transversalwidth) may approximate a “tear drop” shape, where the widest part of thetear drop is located at the first region 16, in order to support thepelvic region of the user's spine, and the narrowest part of the teardrop is at the second region 18, in order to support the cervical regionof the user's spine. An example of a varying shape of the support device10 is further described below.

Also, in any of the above described embodiments, the rear surface 12 mayalso be laterally curved, such that the user can roll the device on theground surface from left to right as well as forward and backward.

In use, a user will place the device 10 on its rear surface 12 on a hardground surface. The user will then lay upon the support surface 14 ofthe device 10, such that their pelvic/lumbar region is approximately onthe first region 16, their thoracic region is approximately on the thirdregion 20 and their cervical region is approximately on the secondregion 18. The weight of the user on the device 10 is such that the rearsurface 12 will tend towards a flatter shape, increasing the radius ofcurvature of the rear surface 12. The ratio of the surface “in use”larger radius to the radius of the join surface 28 approximates thegolden ratio. Also, the ratio of the “in use” straight line distancebetween ends 21 a and 21 d of the device 10 and the fourth straight linedistance is a Fibonacci ratio approximating the golden ratio.

Since the curvature along the back support surface 14 of the device 10approximates that of the curvature of a normal human spine, lying on thedevice 10 has the effect of supporting the spine in a normal positionand proving slight tension along the spine, where the connectionsbetween at least some, or all, adjacent pairs of the user's vertebraeare held in tension, reversing the compressive effect on the spine frombeing in an upright position. The inventor has found that this aspect ofuse of the device 10 can provide relaxing and therapeutic benefit to theuser's spine. Also, the device 10 can be used as a tool to help userswhose spines do not follow what is considered to be a normal curvatureto attain such a curvature to help improve their posture.

As will be understood, alternative embodiments of the device 10 may takeon slightly different forms for different uses. For example, the device10 of the above described embodiments may be altered such that the rearsurface 12 is planar, making it easier for the device to be used as aback support for a user in a sitting position on a seat such as a chairor automobile seat. The same alternative device could also be used on afirm ground surface in a similar manner to the above describedembodiments. Examples of the device being applied to various seatingelements is further described below.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8 where like referencenumerals denote like parts, the device 10′ is made in one piece and madeavailable in more than one length, and preferably three differentlengths to accommodate different lengths of the adult spine. It is knownthat the length of a majority of adult human spines fall within therange of 55 to 63 cm. The lengths of the device are chosen to reflectthis range. In this embodiment, the device may be stamp-cut from a pieceof ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

In another alternative embodiment, the curves of any one, some, or allof the first, second and third regions 16,118, 20 and of the joiningsurface 28 and rear surface 12 may not be arcuate in the sense oftracing part of an arc of a circle; they may instead be curved butflatter, approximating the curvature of an oval-shape or similarcurvature. In this alternative embodiment, the device is configured suchthat the above mentioned ratios between the first, second, third, fourthand “in use” straight line distances are still Fibonacci ratiosapproximating the golden ratio.

Further Examples

Notably, in the examples which follow like reference numerals denotelike parts of the examples above, multiplied by 10.

FIGS. 9A to 9G show another example of the back support device 100having regions for support respective regions of a user's spine.Accordingly, FIGS. 9A to 9G show the device 100 having a first supportregion 160 for supporting the lumbar region of a user's spine, a secondsupporting region 180 for supporting the cervical region of a user'sspine, and a third supporting region 200 for supporting the thoracicregion of a user's spine.

In this particular example, as can be seen in FIG. 9A, the device 100has been formed with varying transversal width. That is, the widthacross the region 160 (as indicated by 162) is substantially greaterthan the width across the region 200 (as indicated by 202). It will beappreciated that the greater width 162 can provide greater support forthe pelvic/lumbar region of a user's body, which is typically greater intransversal width than the user's neck. Accordingly, the narrowerportion of the device 202 can allow for the region 200 to sit between auser's shoulder blades in the user's thoracic region.

Thus, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that thedevice 100 can be formed of varying transversal width to support varyingbody types and therapeutic needs.

In a further example, it will be appreciated that the back supportdevice 100 can be formed as a device comprising of one whole segment (asshown in the side view of FIG. 9F), or alternatively, a plurality ofsegments being operatively connected together (as shown in FIG. 9G).

In particular, FIG. 9G shows an example of the support device 100 beingformed of three segments 220, 240, and 260. In this example, segment 220is formed to support the lumbar region of a user's spine, whereassegment 240 is formed to support the thoracic and cervical regions of auser's spine. The segments 220, 240, and 260 are shown separately inFIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C respectively.

It will be appreciated that segment 260 has a concave acute slidingsurface 262, a concave supporting surface 263 and a curved rear surface264. In this particular example, the sliding surface 262 has a diametersubstantially similar to the diameter of the first convex region 160.Furthermore, the third segment 260 of the device has a curved rearsurface 264, the curved rear surface 264, the concave sliding surface262, and the concave supporting surface 263 being portions of respectivecircles having radii, the ratio between the radii of the respectivecircles approximating to the geometric progression. Additionally, itwill be appreciated that the ratio between the straight line distanceacross the curved rear surface, the concave supporting surface, and theconcave sliding surface can also approximate to the geometricprogression.

FIGS. 9H and 9I show an example of a back support device 100 including achannel 250. In one particular example, the channel can run along alongitudinal centre line, where a user's spinous process' can lie into,in order to aid spinal alignment. Additionally, the edges of the channelcan also be raised to allow for the rolling of the user's erectormuscles away from the spinous process' in order to aid relief.Furthermore, the channel may also be used to lock the cervical andlumbar segments of the device together.

As described above, the device 100 can be formed such that it issuitable for use by users having different spinal lengths. FIGS. 11A to11C show an example of the device in use such that the device isadaptable for varying spinal lengths.

In particular, FIG. 11A shows the device 100 in a first form where thestraight line distances between intersecting points 210 a to 210 dconform approximately to the golden ratio (as described above). In thisexample, the first 220 and the second segment 240 are connected to thethird segment 260 such that the second segment 240 is movable/slidablealong the connecting surface 300 of the third segment 260.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 11B, for a user with a longer spinal length, thesecond segment 240 can be moved such that the overall length of thedevice 100 is increased. In this example, as shown in FIG. 11C, thedevice is resiliently deformable such that, in use, the straightlinedistances between intersecting points 210 a to 210 d conformapproximately to the golden ratio, and the therapeutic benefit of thedevice may still be achieved. Accordingly, the device 100 is able tofunction in deformed states in use, and is able to return to itsoriginal state (shape and design) when not in use.

Geometric Examples

As described above, the back support device of the present applicationcan provide numerous advantages in relation to supporting a user's back.These advantages can be derived by the particular formulation of theback support device, and in one example, the structural property ofhaving the ratio of the distances between convex and concave portions ofthe device approximately approaching the golden ratio. FIGS. 12 to 16provide examples of the geometric construction of the back supportdevice which has this structural property.

For example, FIG. 12 shows the device 100 being formed as though it hasbeen made from the intersection of spheres 410 a to 410 c. In thisexample, the spheres 410 a to 410 c have decreasing radii in the ratioof the golden ratio. Additionally, the intersecting chords of thespheres 410 a to 410 c (referenced as 412 a to 412 c respectively) alsodecrease by the golden ratio. Furthermore, the lines intersecting theipsilateral centre points of the spheres create a triangle 416 and thelines connecting the contralateral centre points of the spheres are at90 degrees to each other.

FIGS. 13A to 13D show an example of the base construction of the shapeof the support device being a chain of 2-dimensional arcs along acentreline. The example of FIGS. 13A to 13D show:

-   -   each arc being tangential to the preceding arc    -   each arc segment being 90 degrees    -   the centreline acting as a chord for each arc segment    -   the chords of the arcs being collinear    -   the ends of connecting chords being coincident    -   each cord length increasing or decreasing by Phi over the        previous cord length    -   the profile of the device comprising of 3 arcs with the chords        of each along a common centreline    -   the chord of the first arc A-B being denoted by W in length    -   the chord of the second arc B-C being denoted by X in length,        where X is W*Phi    -   the chord of the third arc C-D being denoted by Y in length,        where Y is X*Phi    -   the combined length of the 3 chords A-D being Z in length, where        Z is equivalent to W+X+Y    -   the line A-D being a chord for a 90 degree arc, where the centre        of the arc is on the same side as the centre of the arc B-C

Notably, FIG. 13B also shows that the radii of the spheres P, Q, and Rincrease by Phi, and that the line between the centre points of spheresP and Q and of Q and R are at 90 degrees or at right angles to eachother.

FIGS. 13C to 13D, in particular, show the 3-dimensional back supportdevice can be constructed via:

-   -   a centreline E-F being extended through and being coincident to        the centre of the arc A-B and the centre of the arc C-D, where        the arc A-B is extended from the point A until it intersects the        line E-F at point G    -   arc C-D being extended from point D until it intersects line E-F        at the point H    -   the profile or region P1 of 3 tangential arcs intersecting a        straight line E-F being now closed    -   the profile P1 being revolved through 360 degrees around line        G-H to form a 3-dimensional form F1    -   a profile P2 being formed by arc A-D and its closing chord A-D    -   the profile P2 being revolved through 360 degrees to form a        3-dimensional form F2, where the 3-dimensional form created by        the interference of F1 and F2 is form F3, F3 being the basic        structure of the back support device

As described above, the back support device can be or form a part of anyobject which can be used for sitting, resting, or lying upon, includingbut not limited to chairs, sofas, seats, beds, lounges, or the like.

Accordingly, the back support device 100 can also include a head supportportion 170, as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 also shows that the particulargeometrical construction, as described above, can continue in order tocreate smaller spheres and in turn, smaller arcs all to the ratio ofPhi, in order to create the heard support portion 170.

In yet a further example, FIGS. 15A to 15C show the back support device100 being extended to include a seat portion 190. Notably, in thisexample, the seat portion 190 and the back support device 100 are ableto articulate to each other at any angle at the point L. FIG. 15B showsthat the spheres and arcs used to construct the device 100 can continueto increase in ratios of Phi along a central chord in order to createthe seat portion 190. Thus, in this example, the chord L-K isapproximately equivalent to K-J*Phi. Furthermore, the chord L-J is alsoequivalent to L-K*Phi.

Furthermore, in one particular example, the seat portion 190 is able tofold towards the back support device 100 in order to create a vesicapisces shape, which can be spatially economically and thus may besuitable for use as public seating in locations such as cinemas,stadiums, buses, etc.

FIG. 15C shows another example of the back support device 100 includinga head support portion 170.

FIG. 16 shows the back support device 100 including a seat portion 190,where the back support device 100 and the seat portion 190 form a partof a chair. The chair has a base portion 182 and armrests 184.

It will also be appreciated that the above-described back support devicemay be formed from varying materials such as, for example, rigidmaterials (for example, wood, ply, fibreglass, etc.), and more dynamicmaterials (for example, memory foams, latex, silicon, inflatablebladders and soft filled fabrics).

It will further be appreciated that a support device can be formed froma combination of materials where the segments of the support device canbe formed from varying materials in accordance with a user's therapeuticneeds. Thus, for example, each separate component of the device can bemanufactured of different density materials.

Thus, if foam is used, for example, the base (referred to as the thirdsegment 26, 260) can be manufactured from a high density foam toincrease the resistance of flexion for larger or heavier people.Additionally, the cervical (24, 240) and lumbar (22, 220) components canbe manufactured in varying density foams for different structuralconditions. Accordingly, if a user has an extreme lumbar lordosis, alighter density foam can be used in the lumbar component while using adenser foam in the cervical component to compensate for this condition.In yet another example, for patients with thoracic kyphosis, a lighterdensity foam can be used in the cervical component to drop the upperthoracic and cervical spine posterior relative to the lumbar.

Furthermore, portions of the support device may be configured such thatthey can be manipulated by heating means, electric stimulation infra redlight, or the like, or be vibrateable for aiding in muscular relief orproviding a massaging function.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

While the invention has been described in reference to its preferredembodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been usedare words of description rather than limitation and that changes may bemade to the invention without departing from its scope as defined by theappended claims.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention,and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments beingillustrative and not restrictive.

In the context of this specification, the word “comprising” means“including principally but not necessarily solely” or “having” or“including”, and not “consisting only of”. Variations of the word“comprising”, such as “comprise” and “comprises” have correspondinglyvaried meanings.

1-34. (canceled)
 35. A back support device having a first convex regiona second convex region, and a concave region being connected to andbetween the first and second convex regions, the first and second convexregions and the concave region being configured to support respectiveregions of a user's back, wherein a first straight line distance acrosstwo points on the first convex region defines a first line segmenthaving a first length, a second straight line distance across two pointson the concave region defines a second line segment having a secondlength longer than the first length, and a third straight line distanceacross two points on the second convex region defines a third lengthlonger than the second length, the second straight line segment extendscontinuously with and in alignment with the first straight line segment,and a ratio of the second length to the first length approximates ageometric progression, and the third straight line segment extendscontinuously with and in alignment with the second straight linesegment, and a ratio of the third length to the second lengthapproximates the geometric progression.
 36. The back support device ofclaim 35, further comprising a second convex region, the second convexregion being connected to the concave region such that the concaveregion is formed between the first convex region and the second convexregion.
 37. The back support device of claim 36, wherein an underside ofthe device has a curved rear surface.
 38. The back support device ofclaim 36, wherein the first convex region, the second convex region, andthe concave region are portions of respective circles having radii, theratio between the radii of the respective circles approximate to thegeometric progression.
 39. The back support device of claim 36, whereinthe first convex region is configured to support a portion of a lumbarregion of the user's back, the second convex region is configured tosupport a portion of a cervical region of the user's back, and theconcave region is configured to support a portion of a thoracic regionof a user's back.
 40. The back support device of claim 35, wherein thedevice has a curved rear surface, such that the device is movable in arocking motion on a ground surface.
 41. The back support device of claim40, wherein the curved rear surface creates an unstable surface thatrequires the user to stabilize themselves on the device, thestabilization activating the user's core stabilizing muscles.
 42. Theback support device of claim 35, wherein the device is resilientlydeformable.
 43. The back support device of claim 35, wherein the firstconvex region and the concave region form a support surface, the supportsurface being at least one of: at least partially laterally flat; atleast partially laterally convex; and at least partially laterallyconcave.
 44. The back support device of claim 43, wherein a lateral edgeof the support surface is rounded.
 45. The back support device of claim35, wherein the device has varying transversal width along the device.46. The back support device of claim 45, wherein a narrowest portion ofthe device is configured to sit between the user's shoulder blades alonga portion of the user's thoracic region.
 47. The back support device ofclaim 35, wherein the device includes at least one of a head supportportion a seat portion, and wherein the at least one of the head supportportion and the seat portion are formed such that ratio between thestraight line distance across respective curves of the at least one ofthe head support portion and the seat portion and the straight linedistances of the first convex region and the concave region of thedevice approximate to the geometric progression.
 48. The back supportdevice of claim 35, wherein the device supports a user's spine such thatwhen a predetermined pressure is applied by the device to the spine, atleast some adjacent pairs of vertebra of the spine are held in tension.49. The back support device of claim 35, wherein the device isconfigured to flex and extend in use.
 50. The back support device ofclaim 35, wherein the geometric progression is a Fibonacci sequence. 51.The back support device of claim 35, wherein the geometric progressionapproximates to 1.6±0.1.
 52. The back support device of claim 35,wherein the geometric progression approximates to 1.62±0.05.
 53. A backsupport device having a first convex region and a concave regionconnected to the convex region, the first convex region and the concaveregion being configured to support respective regions of a user's back,wherein the first convex region is a portion of a first circle having afirst radius, and the concave region is a portion of a second circlehaving a second radius larger than the first radius, and a ratio of thesecond radius to the first radius approximate a geometric progression.54. A back support according to claim 53, further comprising: a secondconvex region connected to the concave region such that the concaveregion is located between the first and second convex regions, thesecond convex region is a portion of a third circle having a thirdradius larger than the second radius, and the ratio of the third radiusto the second radius approximates the geometric progression.